THE GODWIT. 



225 



This is a variety of the black-tailed godwit, more 

 generally abundant than it, and yet far from common. 

 Colonel Montague describes the red godwit as larger 

 than the last species, weighing about twelve ounces, 

 and measuring about eighteen inches. It appears 



THE GODWIT. 



early in August, and remains with us through the 

 winter. It is more noisy than the former species ' 

 and the peculiar shrillness of its cry, as it flies, 

 uttering a sort of whelp, whelp, betrays it at once. 

 It chooses a locality close to the shore or beach, 

 where it can make use of its long bill in the soft 

 sand or mud. Here it congregates in small parties ; 

 and here it associates with many of the other birds 

 to whom its habits or form bear affiinity. It is 

 most known northward in our islands, and is said 



